The Economy & You #35: The Cost of Raising the Dropout Age

The public education system continues to face harsh criticism in terms of student achievement. The need for kids to stay in school as our economy changes to a knowledge-based economy has led to public officials to propose raising the legal age when a child can drop out of school to 18. Political leaders contend that making kids stay in school longer will lead to higher graduation rates and increased job prospects. This is important as numerous studies have shown that the level of education on has attained is the main factor in determining their income.

CourseHero published an interesting infographic which argues that raising the dropout age may not accomplish what public officials are intending. It is especially interesting as Wisconsin is one of the states examined.